UN marks one-year Rann attack, demands release of abducted worker

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Friday marked one-year remembrance of the aid workers who were killed by the Boko Haram insurgents in Rann, Borno State, on March 1, 2018.

The UN agency, in a release by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, condemned the killings, while demanding the release of a female aid worker, Alice Lokshah, who was abducted by the terrorists since the Rann attack.

Kallon noted that the deadly attack on Rann town in Borno State claimed the lives of “three dedicated aid workers, who were providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to thousands of internally displaced people there.”

The UN coordinator added that the armed group also kidnapped three female aid workers during the attack, saying two of them, Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman, were executed by their captors in September 2018 and October 2018 respectively.

Kallon said, “The attack on March 1, 2018, sent shockwaves through our community of aid workers from the UN and non-governmental organisations. Anytime violence claims an innocent life, it affects us all. But even more so when it robs us of young and talented professionals.

“Non-state armed groups also kidnapped three female aid workers in this attack. Alice Lokshah, a nurse and mother, is still being held. The United Nations calls for the immediate release of Alice, and for her safe return to her family.

“Today is a day of mixed emotions for everyone involved in humanitarian work. We remember those we lost as a result of the attack on Rann. In their memory, we also celebrate the strength, resilience, and compassion of the humanitarian spirit.

“We honour our departed friends for their sacrifice, courage and selfless service. The most meaningful tribute to the lives of these aid workers is to carry on their work with conviction in the humanitarian principles we stand for and uphold.”